KUCHING: Sarawak will set up an advanced chip integration centre to develop a semiconductor ecosystem and train its workforce, says Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg.
The Sarawak Premier said the centre, to be built on a 4ha site at Sama Jaya Industrial Park here, was a key initiative under the Sarawak Semiconductor Roadmap 2030.
He said the facility was the result of a strategic collaboration by SMD Semiconductor Sdn Bhd, a wholly-owned government-linked company, with British firm CSA Catapult and the Welsh government.
ALSO READ: Sarawak a key part of Malaysia's quest to be global semiconductor hub, says PM
"This will form the backbone of a globally-connected research and development ecosystem, anchored here in Sarawak but reaching across borders," he said at the launch of X-Fab Sarawak's expansion here on Friday (Sept 12).
Abang Johari said the ecosystem will position Sarawak as a hub for high-value semiconductor activities, including the creation of intellectual property, cross-border collaboration with global partners, and nurturing local and international talent.
More importantly, he said, the Sama Jaya facility will accelerate local capabilities in advanced semiconductor design, integration and innovation.
"This will ensure that Sarawak is not only a participant but a competitive leader in the national semiconductor industry," he said.
ALSO READ: S'wak keen on long-term collab in chips and microelectronics with British partners
Abang Johari also said SMD was collaborating with X-Fab, Cambridge Microelectronics and CSA Catapult to develop new compound semiconductor-based chips using gallium nitride (GaN).
He said the partnership would enable SMD to design and develop a Sarawak-owned chip, leveraging the potential of GaN technology for next-generation applications.
"In the longer term, the plan is to transfer this advanced technology to Sarawak, strengthening process capabilities and expanding production capacity at X-Fab Kuching," he said.
Abang Johari called for the Federal Government's support in developing the state's semiconductor ecosystem under Malaysia's Silicon Vision and the National Semiconductor Roadmap.
ALSO READ: S’wak takes a leap of faith as semiconductor hub through partnership with British companies
"We believe this partnership will help speed up our efforts in building local talent and developing intellectual property in chip design and production in Sarawak," he said.
The Premier also welcomed X-Fab Sarawak's RM3bil expansion to raise its monthly wafer production from 30,000 to 40,000.
He said the expansion was a significant milestone for Sarawak's role in the global semiconductor ecosystem, particularly with plans in place to increase capacity to 50,000 in the future.
